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For decades, the guitar has been used to produce music. These are songs and tunes that have become important to each one of us through the years. From blues to rock, music is the anthem of our lives at each stage of the journey.
But have you ever considered the amplifiers that were used for some of these amazing tones? In some cases, the guitar amplifiers were the primary reason for the sounds that we have come to love. But are they the best guitar amps ever?
In this Killer Rig article, we are going to look at some of the most popular amplifiers of all time. Let’s see how they have been used to get these great tones.
Best Guitar Amps Of All Time
Here are some of the best guitar amplifiers made, in no particular order.
Marshall 1959 Super Lead Plexi
The Marshall 1959 Super Lead Plexi is considered by many to be the best guitar amplifier ever made. This amplifier was first introduced in 1965.
It quickly became the go-to choice for many of the world’s most famous guitarists. The reason for its popularity is simple – it sounds incredible.
The Super Lead Plexi has four inputs, two for each channel. The channels can be used independently, or they can be linked together. This amplifier was designed for high-gain pickups. Thisis why it has become so popular with rock and metal guitarists.
The sound of the Super Lead Plexi is big, bold, and in your face. It has a lot of power and can be cranked up to very high volumes. This makes it perfect for those who want to play with a lot of distortion.
Artist Roster:
- Jimi Hendrix
- Jimmy Page
- Angus Young
- Tony Iommi
Fender Bassman
The Fender Bassman is another one of the most popular guitar amplifiers. This amp was first introduced in 1952 and was originally designed to be used with bass guitars.
Yet, it wasn’t long before guitarists realized that this amplifier could also be used to get great sounds.
The Fender Bassman is known for its clean, clear tone. This is why it became so popular with country and blues guitarists. It’s also been used by some of the most famous rock guitarists in history.
As the amp gets turned up to higher volumes, it begins to distort, producing a thick, creamy tone that only it can.
Artist Roster:
- Eric Clapton
- Brian Setzer
- John Fogerty
- Buddy Guy
Vox AC30
The Vox AC30 is one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers made. This amplifier was first introduced in 1958. It rapidly became the favored choice for many British Invasion bands. The Vox AC30 has a very distinct sound that is often described as jangly.
This amplifier made this impression with only two channels! One for normal sounds and one for top boost.
The top boost channel is where the Vox AC30 gets its unique sound. This channel has a lot of mid-range frequencies, which helps give it that jangly tone.
Some of the most renowned hard rock and metal bands in history have also used the Vox AC30. For individuals who want to stand out from the crowd, its distinctive sound is superb.
Artist Roster:
- The Beatles
- The Edge
- Brian May
- Oasis
Fender Twin Reverb Blackface
The Fender Twin Reverb amplifier appeared on the scene in 1965. It quickly became the first answer for many country music and blues guitarists. The reason for its popularity is simple, it sounds incredible!
The Fender Twin Reverb has a very clean sound. This is why guitar players desire it as much as they do. Some of the most well-known rock guitarists in history have also used it.
The blackface model is one of a few different circuits that was popular with players. Additionally, it had a fantastic reverb, which made it a very dynamic amplifier.
Artist Roster:
- B.B. King
- James Burton
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Jack White
Marshall JCM800
The Marshall JCM800 amplifier was first introduced in 1981. But was a modified version of the JMP 2203 circuit.
The JCM800 was designed to be a more versatile amplifier than the 2203 was. It featured a new master volume that allowed for distortion without blistering volume.
The Marshall JCM800 has a very powerful sound! It’s perfect for those who want to play with a decent amount of distortion. It’s also been used by some of the most famous hard rock and metal bands in history.
It’s said that Jim Marshall named this amplifier using his initials. Plus the number from his license plate. Talk about originality!
Artist Roster:
- Slash
- Kirk Hammett
- Jeff Hanneman
- Kerry King
Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
The Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier was first introduced in 1989. This thing quickly became one of the more popular models ever made.
This amplifier is known for its outrageously thick metal tones. But it can be used for a wide range of styles.
The Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier has three channels, each with its own flavor. The clean channel is good! The rhythm has a bit of distortion, and the lead is where the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier opens up.
This amplifier can go from clean to extremely distorted. This makes it ideal for players who wish to try out various sounds. The amp uses silicone diodes as well as tube rectifiers, hence where the name comes from.
Artist Roster:
- Foo Fighters
- Mark Tremonti
- John Petrucci
- Metallica
Peavey 5150
The Peavey 5150 amplifier was first introduced in 1992 and was designed by Eddie Van Halen. The Peavey 5150 is a very versatile amplifier, but is primarily used for rock and metal tones
The Peavey 5150 has two channels, this gives the amplifier versatility. The clean channel is quite clear, while the lead is where the Peavey 5150 gets its distortion.
This amplifier uses tubes primarily for its sound and is a more sought-after high gain option. Once Eddie parted ways with Peavey, the company continued to release this amp, named the 6505.
Artist Roster:
- Eddie Van Halen
- August Burns Red
- All That Remains
- Chimaira
Roland JC-120
The Roland JC-120 amplifier is a solid-state design and does not use any tubes. It was initially introduced in 1975 and is known for its clean and articulate sound. It features a built-in chorus, reverb, and vibrato which made it even more desirable.
The Roland JC-120 has two channels. Each one of them with its own sound. The clean channel is sparkling and clear, while the lead can get quite distorted.
But it’s more of a buzzy, distorted tone. You understand what I mean if you are familiar with solid-state distortion. Yet, it was the clean sound that was the most appealing with this amplifier.
This amplifier was used by many jazz and fusion guitarists in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s still popular today among those who want a classic, clean sound without using tubes.
Artist Roster:
- James Hetfield
- Paul McCartney
- Slash
- Nick Valensi
Soldano Slo-100
The Soldano Slo-100 amplifier was introduced in 1987. It was designed by Mike Soldano and is a tube amplifier that is known for its now iconic distortion. It has three channels, each with its own sound.
The Soldano sound has been described as being fat and creamy. It’s perfect for those who want a heavier sound while still obtaining clarity. This amplifier is all-tube and features some easy-to-use controls.
The Slo-100 has graced the stages of famous hard rock and metal bands. It’s still one of the most popular high-gain amplifiers ever made. Although, no longer owned by Mike himself.
Artist Roster:
- Eddie Van Halen
- Mick Mars
- George Lynch
- Jerry Cantrell
Hiwatt DR103
The Hiwatt DR103 amplifier was first introduced in 1972. It was designed by Dave Reeves and is known for its classic clean sound. This amplifier is all tube and has two channels, which were loosely based on the Marshall Plexi.
The clean channel is clear, while the lead can be quite distorted, but only when it’s pushed to be quite loud.
The DR103 was able to maintain a crystal clear, clean sound even when turned up quite loud.
This made it ideal for performance, as it was also very punchy and thick compared to other amplifiers. It was used by some of the most famous bands in history, including Pink Floyd and The Who.
Artist Roster:
- David Gilmour
- Pete Townshend
- The Rolling Stones
- Moody Blues
Orange Rockerverb
The Orange Rockerverb amplifier was first introduced in 2003. It’s an amplifier that is known for its orange Tolex finish and its British sound. It has two channels, which provide a clean tone as well as a distorted option.
The clean channel can be used for a variety of genres. The lead channel is where the distortion comes in, and it can get quite heavy but does have a grainy, fuzzy type of sound.
This amplifier is all-tube! It’s available in variations that provide different output levels. Levels such as a 50 and 100-watt version.
Artist Roster:
- Jim Root
- Andreas Kisser
- Pat McCrory
- Brent Hinds
Check out our article, are Orange amps good?
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+
The Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier made its first appearance in 1984. It’s a tube amplifier that is known for its big Mesa Boogie tone. It has two channels and a very adaptable EQ.
The clean channel has a gorgeous tone, while the lead is where the action lives. The Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ also has a built-in effects loop, which allows you to use pedals with it.
This amplifier was used by many famous hard rock and metal bands in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s still popular today for those who want a high-quality Mesa Boogie sound.
Artist Roster:
- Kirk Hammett
- Prince
- Santana
- John Petrucci
Diezel VH4
The Diezel VH4 amplifier was introduced to the world in 1994. It’s a tube head that is praised for its high-gain tone. It has four channels! A clean tone, two different distorted sounds, and a lead boost option.
The clean channel is very clear and sounds quite nice. The two distorted channels each have a different sound.
So you can get a variety of tones from this amplifier. Channel 3 is the prized channel, however. The lead boost option gives you an extra kick of distortion when you need it.
This amplifier is all vacuum tubes and features a built-in effects loop. It’s also available in a 100-watt version.
Artist Roster:
- Metallica
- Slipknot
- Adam Jones
- Mastodon
Dumble Overdrive Special
The Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier was first introduced in 1972. It’s a tube model that is known for its unique sound, and each one is designed to respond the way the artist prefers.
Hand-wired by Alexander Dumble, the Overdrive special is quite the concept. It’s said that they could not be obtained for several years, as Alexander only made a few per year. Anyone who would want to seek one would pay over 6 figures to complete a purchase.
Artist Roster:
- Mark Tremonti
- Keith Urban
- John Mayer
- Eric Clapton
Magnatone 260
The Magnatone 260 amplifier is older and was introduced in the 1950s. It’s a tube amplifier that is not as well known anymore. Those that own one, however, know how much potential they have for great sound.
The warm, clean sound was the desired tone from this amp. But it also had a unique vibrato that was not like anything else.
This combo amplifier was used by many famous blues and rock artists in the 1950s and 1960s. It’s still popular today for those who want a classic, vintage sound and can find one.
Artist Roster:
- David Gilmour
- Mike Campbell
Revv Generator 120
The Revv Generator 120 amplifier was first introduced in 2014. It’s a valve or tube amp that is becoming known for its high-gain sound and deserves a mention.
While still very young, this amplifier brand has made quite an impression! Especially on modern musicians.
The Generator features 4 channels. You will find a clean tone, two high-gain distortions, and a crunch option. Their newest version features a built-in gate, reverb, and load box for speaker IRs.
We are very impressed with this amplifier! The sounds and control features it has been designed with are phenomenal. So much so that this is one amplifier to pay attention to as it begins to make a history of its own.
Artist Roster:
- Ben Bruce
- Josh Steely
- Jeff Loomis
- Kevin Skaff
